- Trekking
- Nepal
- 10 days
The trail takes you east of Annapurna Base camp trail and eventually to the Mardi Himal Basecamp, close to Mount Fishtail. Then you go paragliding in Pokhara on this multi-day tour!
Key Information
Book this Nepal trek and get a complimentary one hour Trekker’s’ massage after the trek is over. The masseuses will be from a marginalized community. This is part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Mardi Himal Wellness trek
Mardi Himal Trek was not famous until recently, but now this trek has started attracting people as basic lodges are available on the High Camp trail. This trekking trail takes you through beautiful Rhododendron forests, walking on a ridge above the tree line with stunning views of Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Machapuchare ( Fishtail ). Despite gaining popularity with trekkers from both overseas and locals, the Mardi Trek is an excellent alternative to the Poonhill Trek, with a lot fewer trekkers.
We have included two nights in a homestay to enjoy genuine Nepali hospitality and food with two ethnic groups at the end of the trek. Enjoy this trek with our value-added service with an expert trek leader and our specially prepared meals that use superfoods as ingredients for better nourishment and acclimatization.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in culinary trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, exciting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while assisting in acclimatization to high altitude. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete gastronome adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our Wellness gourmet trekking adventures.
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Arrive in Kathmandu. You will be met by our representative and brought to your hotel. You will meet the rest of the group during your trek briefing.
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Morning tour of Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Ason Market ending in Thamel – the tourist hub for lunch. After lunch, you can either hire or purchase the trekking gear required for this trek.
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We go to the domestic airport in Kathmandu after breakfast. This is a short but scenic flight to Pokhara. We take a vehicle and drive to our trek starting point of Dhampus. We have an uphill hike to Pitam Deurali. We hike through a lovely thick forest, passing by Pothana village. You have one more hour of an uphill hike to Pitam Deurali.
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We start our hike uphill through a lush forest. This was once a shepherd’s trail bringing their sheep, goats, buffaloes, and cows to higher grazing pastures. We will continue to ascend most of the way, passing by a couple of small “shops” selling snacks and tea on the way.
It is a lovely walk listening to birds chirping in the woods. We will have late lunch when we get to Kokar or Forest Camp.
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We shorten our day’s hike and stay at Badal danda for acclimatization and to be in a quiet place. The Panorama is another advantage of staying at Badal danda. We can have a relaxing breakfast before starting our trek as we only had about a 4-hour hike on this day. The trail is uphill in a lovely rhododendron forest. It takes about three hours to reach an opening in the forest called Low Camp. We stop here for lunch. Views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare are good when it is not cloudy.
We have about an hour to get to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill); as the name says, clouds usually rise from the lower valleys in the afternoon. This place is on a ridge, and the view of the valleys on both sides is impressive.
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We have another short morning of trekking to High Camp. We climb for about one hour on a ridge. The trail combines ascends and descends in rhododendron forest, with openings providing lovely views. You will be hiking with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare in front of you. On your left, the Annapurna base camp trail is way below where you are walking.
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We have a combination of mostly ascending, with some descending to the upper viewpoint and vice versa on our return journey. We hike through pastures and some narrow trails before reaching the Upper Viewpoint.
We will witness an astonishing Himalayan Vista of Mardi Himal 5587 meters, Annapurna I 80921 meters, Annapurna South 7219 meters, Hiunchuli 6441 meters, Barahi Shikhar 7647 meters, Tent Peak 5695 meters, Dome Peak 6501 meters, Machapuchare, and numerous other peaks. Finally, we retrace our steps back to Badal Danda, away from the crowd at High Camp. Badal Danda is also an excellent place for panoramic views.
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We have a big day of descent or 1400-1600 meters. We retrace our steps to Low camp and take a left fork towards Sidhing village. We will be hiking in a lush and thick Rhododendron, Oak, and Alder forest until reaching the terraced fields close to the village. We will be pleased to stop at the guest house and have a nice hot shower after a day of ‘endless descend.’
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The path from Sidhing now follows the hill contour above the river. We descend gradually down between the pastures, through Tamang and Gurung villages. We will stop at Ghalel village for lunch before continuing to Lwang. We will be staying in homestays to experience community-based tourism.
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We take a private jeep back to Pokhara. We have a free day to relax or take a boat ride on the lake.
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You can either chill out, go shopping, take a boat ride, or paraglide with the company owned by National Geography’s Adventurers of the year 2012.
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You will be brought to the airport three hours before your flight time.
Cost Includes:
- Boutique hotel in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis
- Boutique hotel in Pokhara on a bed and breakfast basis
- Hotel/lodges on twin sharing basis
- All transportation
- Responsible Adventures’ expert trek leader or Trek with Raj
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Use of trekking kit bag during the trek
- One assistant guide between 4 trekkers
- Trekking Chef
- One porter between two trekkers
- Proper clothing for porters and crew
- Food for porters & crew members (we are less than a handful of trekking companies that provide this facility)
- Insurance for team and porters
- All permits
- Twin sharing room on the trek
- All meals on the trek (healthiest and varied trekking meals in the whole of the Himalayas)
- Domestic airfare
Cost Excludes:
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
- Tips(suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only); Leader’s tips at your discretion
- Items of a personal nature, e.g., alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
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A Responsible promise
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Total flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
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Trek FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a Visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.
A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
For more information, go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.